The game of the year has arrived. Throw out the season records, games and performances – the Egg Bowl is THE only game that really matters. We welcome our “friends up north” to watch football the way we do in Starkvegas – Mississippi State style!
GO DAWGS!
HAIL STATE!!
PEPPERY BLOODY MARY
1 tsp. chopped fresh basil
1 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp. chopped fresh chives
1 1/3 cups tomato juice
1/2 cup pepper vodka
6 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
3 tsp. green hot sauce
1 tsp. Worcestershire
Large pinch celery salt
Pinch of sea salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Garnish: pickled okra; lemon wedges
Combine the first 3 ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Press leaves against the bottom and muddle with a wooden spoon to release flavors; stir in tomato juice and next 7 ingredients. Pour over ice and serve with garnishes. *This may easily be increased to serve more. You may also substitute regular vodka for pepper vodka if you prefer.
CRANBERRY CHEESE BALL
1 (16 oz.) block cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. ground red pepper
1 cup toasted pecans
1 (8 z.) can whole cranberry sauce
Beat first 6 ingredients at medium speed with a mixer until blended; stir in pecans. Shape int a box or ball shape; spoon cranberry sauce over the top. Serve with you favorite crackers.
SMOKED TURKEY DIP
1 cup very finely chopped leftover turkey, white and dark meat
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. paprika
Beat cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth; add remaining ingredients and combine well. Can serve chilled or warm. Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips or toasted baguette slices.
GAME DAY MACARONI SALAD
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 cup buttermilk
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. fresh parsley
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill
Salt and Pepper
1 lb. elbow macaroni
1/2 cup frozen green peas
1/2 small orange, red, and green bell peppers, chopped
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, finely chopped
1/2 English cucumber, diced
1 small yellow squash, diced
1/2 cup finely chopped radish
Make dressing in a large bowl by whisking together vinegar, buttermilk, lemon juice, oil, garlic, mustard, parsley, and dill; season with salt and pepper. Cook macaroni according to package directions; stir in peas 2 minutes before cooking time has ended. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool; toss macaroni, vegetables, and dressing. Refrigerate before eating.
BOOZY BOURBON CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES
Cupcakes:
1 box devil’s food cake mix
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup bourbon
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Filling:
3/4 cup whipping cream
6 oz. baking chocolate, finely chopped
1/3 cup butter, softened
3 Tbsp. coffee liqueur
Frosting:
1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow creme
1 cup butter, softened
2 Tbsp. vanilla flavored vodka
3 cups powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Generously spray a 24 regular size muffin tin cups with cooking spray. Make cake batter using listed ingredients. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups-about2/3 full. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely – about 30 minutes. For filling: In a medium microwave safe bowl, microwave whipping cream on High for 1 minute and 30 seconds or until boiling. Stir in remaining filling ingredients until chocolate is melted and smooth. If necessary, microwave an additional 15 – 30 seconds until mixture can be stirred smooth. Cover and refrigerate until spreading consistency about an hour. For frosting: In a large bowl, beat marshmallow cream, butter, and the vodka with an electric mixer until blended. Beat in powdered sugar until fluffy. To Assemble: Cut the tops off each cupcake horizontally. Spread about 1 tablespoon filling onto bottom of each cupcake; place top back on. Pipe frosting onto tops. Just before serving, drizzle each cupcake with 1/2 tsp. coffee liqueur. *These take a little time and planning to prepare, but are well worth it!